MaggieBelle

Beloved–

The following was written by Michele Estill, wife to pastor Dennis Estill Jr. and worship leader at their church in El Cajon, California.  She, also happens to be my beloved daughter.  

Ash Wednesday 2017

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent; and if you do not have any experience or prior knowledge regarding the Catholic faith, you might not know what it is.

Today, Catholics around the world go to mass to have ashes placed on their forehead in the sign of the cross.  This an atoning for your sins. Lent is a period of 40 days in which we “join” Christ as he was tempted in the garden of Gethsemane.  For the next 40 days people generally give-up something that they cherish: chocolate, TV, coffee, meat, and much more.

However, Catholics do not have the corner on the market of Ash Wednesday.  Christians (those who follow Christ, which Catholics do as well) can partake of this very meaningful experience called lent.

Lent is not really about giving up of something tangible, but of giving up what our heart desires.  Lent is about a circumcision of our heart (Romans 2:29).  Reaching for your coffee, something sweet, or even reaching to turn on the TV should serve as a reminder of the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. He gave up everything so that we might be able to have everlasting life.  

Let’s be honest, Christ doesn’t care about coffee, chocolate, or watching TV; He cares about our heart, which is the truest picture of who we are (Proverbs 4:23).  He cares that we examine our motives and work towards aligning our hearts towards Him.  God seeks community with us that we might be able to experience His redeeming power in our lives!

This lent season, choose to give up something you love to do like eating chocolate, drinking coffee, watching TV, gossiping, doubting, or even choosing yourself above others.  Man looks at outward appearances, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).

Happy Ash Wednesday!  May you see God transform your life this lent season!

Praise the God who is … Father, Son and Holy Spirit!

Luv Ya!  

Posted in It's Wednesday